1. What is EyeNote?
EyeNote is a mobile device application to identify denominations of Federal Reserve Notes (U.S. paper currency) as an aid for the blind or visually impaired.
2. What devices will EyeNote work on?
EyeNote works on the Apple iPhone 3G and 3Gs, the iPhone 4, the 4th generation iPod Touch and iPad2.
3. Will a user have to pay for EyeNote?
No. The app will be a free download from the Apple App Store via iTunes.
4. Will the government pay for the device?
No, owning a device that runs EyeNote is a user responsibility.
5. When will EyeNote be available?
The app is available now from the Apple App Store for free.
6. Why are the Apple devices first and not another device?
Apple has developed a complete ecosystem around developing mobile applications and making those applications easily downloadable onto a user device. Apple’s system is very mature in the industry, which is why we started here.
7. Will other devices follow?
Future phone offerings cannot be definitely specified at this time, but there are tentative thoughts to make EyeNote available on other phones from other vendors once the iOS effort is launched and evaluated.
8. Will a user need to have a data plan or any other accessory to make EyeNote work?
No. EyeNote is designed to be 100% functional without the need for a cellular or Wi-Fi data connection. No other accessory is required.
9. The iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad have a touch screen and few distinguishable buttons or keys, how will a blind person use EyeNote?
The development team certainly realizes this. EyeNote is designed to be as close to a ‘OneTouch’ app to maximize use by a user with no vision. Starting from this point, the program is positioned for future development on other platforms as the industry moves to touch screens as a common offering in mobile devices. The app launch icon can be fixed on the Dock so that it is always in the same location for the user to activate.
10. Will a user have to specially align or hold the banknote to the device?
No special alignment will be required. EyeNote was designed to work when the banknote is held in one hand and the mobile device is in the other hand - real life conditions - front, back, at an angle, or partially covered by a hand.
11. How will the user know what the denomination is?
There will be a user-selectable choice of spoken word output (English or Spanish) using the device’s speaker or specially keyed vibrations/tones to identify the note denomination when privacy is required.
12. As currency or the devices change, how will the app be updated?
The app will be updated to recognize changing designs to currency as they are developed. Also, EyeNote will work with the new $100 banknote after its introduction into circulation. As platforms advance for which there is already an EyeNote app, the app will be updated to stay current. Using the features of the App Store, users will receive automatic notifications that updates are available.
13. Why is the Government doing this program when there is also discussion of providing a tactile feature and providing a free standalone Reader?
The app is not in lieu-of any other accommodation; it is in addition-to all other programs the Government is considering. It simply provides another option for the public which would preclude a user from having to carry a separate reader if they also own a compatible mobile device.
14. Why are there on screen instructions when the app is designed for people who cannot see?
These instructions are a quick reference on how to use the app. When the device is in VoiceOver mode (an Accessibility feature that Apple provides) these quick instructions are read aloud to the user. Complete use instructions are available at www.eyenote.gov.
15. Does EyeNote detect counterfeit notes?
No. EyeNote only identifies the denomination of the note.
16. Where can I get more information?
www.eyenote.gov and download from iTunes.
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